Naomi Osaka’s Social Media Accounts Censored in China After Voicing Concern Over Tennis Player Who Went Missing

Iesha November 24, 2021 News, Sports Leave a comment

Last week, Naomi Osaka voiced concern over the disappearance of tennis player Peng Shuai, and now her social media accounts have been censored in China.

According to reports, Peng Shuai, who reappeared Sunday telling Olympic officials in a video call from Beijing that she was safe, had been missing for weeks after making sexual assault allegations against a former member of the Communist Party’s ruling Standing Committee, Zhang Gaoli.

On Nov. 16, Osaka wrote on Twitter, “I was recently informed of a fellow tennis player that has gone missing shortly after revealing that she has been sexually abused. Censorship is never OK at any cost, I hope Peng Shuai and her family are safe and OK. I’m in shock of [sic] the current situation and I’m sending love and light her way.”

. #WhereIsPengShuai pic.twitter.com/51qcyDtzLq
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) November 16, 2021

Serena Williams also posted support for Shuai, tweeting, “I am devastated and shocked to hear about the news of my peer, Peng Shuai. I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible. This must be investigated and we must not stay silent. Sending love to her and her family during this incredibly difficult time.”

I am devastated and shocked to hear about the news of my peer, Peng Shuai. I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible. This must be investigated and we must not stay silent. Sending love to her and her family during this incredibly difficult time. #whereispengshuai pic.twitter.com/GZG3zLTSC6
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 18, 2021